The LED Dash Upgrade Kit replaces the old bulbs behind your gauge cluster with LEDs. It's plug and play with no soldering. The job is mostly getting the cluster out, then each bulb is a quarter turn out and a quarter turn in.
Which kit do you have?
Toyota changed the gauge cluster at the 1999 facelift, so there are two versions of the kit. Check yours matches your truck before you start.
| Your truck | Kit to use |
|---|---|
| 2nd Gen, 1989 to 1995 | 1989-1998 kit |
| 3rd Gen pre-facelift, 1996 to 1998 | 1989-1998 kit |
| 3rd Gen facelift, 1999 to 2002 | 1999-2002 kit |
The kit covers the bulbs in the gauge cluster. The climate control, ashtray and switch lights are separate bulbs and aren't included.
Fitting it, step by step
Step 1: Disconnect the battery
Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you unplug the cluster.
Step 2: Remove the cluster surround
Use a plastic trim tool to unclip the dash surround around the gauges. Ease it off gently, as old dash plastic can be brittle.
Step 3: Remove the cluster
Undo the Phillips screws holding the gauge cluster in, pull the cluster forward and unplug the connectors on the back. Lift the cluster out and put it face down on a soft cloth.
Step 4: Swap the bulbs
Each bulb holder twists out with a quarter turn. Pull the old bulb out of the holder, push an LED in, and twist the holder back into the cluster. Do one at a time so you don't mix up where they go.
Step 5: Test before you put it all back
Plug the cluster back in, reconnect the battery and turn the lights on. Check every LED lights up. If one doesn't, see the next section.
Step 6: Refit
Screw the cluster back in and clip the surround back on.
If an LED won't light
If they flicker
A flickering LED is usually not a faulty bulb. There are two common causes:
- The dash dimmer. The factory dimmer works by pulsing the power very fast. The old bulbs smoothed that out, but LEDs show it as a flicker. Turn the dimmer up to full brightness. If the flicker stops or changes, that's the cause.
- The charging system. If the flicker changes with engine revs, check the battery voltage with a multimeter. It should read about 13.8 to 14.4 volts at idle and at around 2,000rpm. Much over 15 volts points to the alternator.
Still flickering after checking both? Get in touch and tell us whether it happens at idle, with revs, or both, and where your dimmer is set.
Common questions
Do I need to solder or add resistors?
No. They plug straight into the factory bulb holders.
Does it light up the climate control or head unit area?
No. The kit is for the gauge cluster only.
Is it hard to do?
Not really. If you can use a screwdriver and take your time with the dash plastics, you can do it in your driveway.
Still stuck? Sing out.
Send a photo of where you're at and we'll help you sort it. We usually reply within a couple of hours.
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